The main styles of lamps are contemporary, traditional, modern, and global. Consider the decor in the space the lamp will go, but there is no need to match perfectly. Blending styles is more popular now than matching is.

When deciding on brightness, people need to figure out what the primary purpose of the lamp will be. This could be mood lighting, reading, decoration, or safety. For decorative lighting, an opaque fabric shade can be chosen. It illuminates the space from ceiling to floor. For reading and other tasks, a translucent lampshade will diffuse light. High quality paper or fabric shades are ideal.

Antique lamps include candle lamps, gas chandeliers, solar, astral, sconces, sinumbra oil lamps, kerosene lamps, piano lamps, banquet lamps and even electric lamps. These lamps also include the Victorian and American designed art-glass lamps and the various lighting devices. Antique lamps are bought for their designs and patterns. People collect antique lamps to enrich their collection. Some of these lamps are even sold to museums, depending on their historical value and exquisite periodic designs. They appeal to art collectors, either for their private collections or contribution to museums.